Thank You

iTunes Review

This “Greatest Hits” collection from one of the more conventional — and therefore, controversial — bands of the 1990s alternative rock movement is a solid blast of powerful, undeniably catchy hard rock. Coming at a time when bands were expected to disown their desire for commercial radio interests, STP threw up monster riffs that thrilled arena rock patrons and aspiring guitarists alike. Their earliest material does echo the sound of Nirvana and especially Pearl Jam, yet the hard rock powerchord rumble of “Sex Type Thing,” the downtrodden vibe of “Creep,” the wide-open cruising feel of “Interstate Love Song” and the shifting big rock dynamics of “Big Empty” stand on their own. Guitarist Dean DeLeo’s ability to distill the band’s essence into resounding riffs cannot be dismissed, while Scott Weiland’s vocal prowess is far more engaging and versatile than initially expected, and the band easily explored a variety of styles, culminating in the glam-rock frenzy of “Big Bang Baby.” While angst may have fueled the writing, a sense of fun served the performances.